NorCal Jr. Rodeo rides through town

A Jr. Rodeo competitor wrestles with a steer during the Chute Dogging event on Saturday.

The Northern California Junior Rodeo Association’s season has been in full tilt since the end of April, bringing boys and girls as young as five years old together with middle and high schoolers to enjoy the competitive atmosphere of the rodeo.

On Saturday, the NCJRA stopped at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds for the Turlock Horseman’s Club Jr. Rodeo event. Riders and ropers from Turlock and surrounding areas filled the arenas as family members and enthusiasts looked on at the various events. Whether it was the thrilling eight seconds provided by the bull, steer, and calf riders, the grace and control exhibited by the pole benders and barrel racers, or the entertaining antics of the chute doggers; those in attendance were not left disappointed.

Saturday’s event was the fifth stop for the NCJRA during its 12-event calendar for 2012. The next scheduled event, the 62nd Annual Woodside Jr. Rodeo, will be held on July 4.